Jingle All the Way: Crafting Your Dream Christmas Book Reading List
As the holiday season approaches, many of us start thinking about festive traditions, decorations, and, of course, books! Creating a Christmas book reading list is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit while also discovering new favorite authors and stories. In this article, we’ll explore how to create your own enchanting Christmas book reading list that will make the most of the cozy atmosphere and twinkling lights of winter.
Starting with Holiday Classics: A Timeless Selection
The first step in crafting your dream Christmas book reading list is to include some timeless holiday classics. These books are staples for a reason, as they evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth that perfectly capture the essence of the season. Consider adding titles like ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Clement Clarke Moore, or ‘The Polar Express’ by Chris Van Allsburg.
Skip down to your local bookstore or browse through online retailers to find these iconic tales that will transport you to a winter wonderland. Don’t be afraid to re-read them multiple times; their charm is sure to captivate both kids and adults alike!
Exploring Winter Wonderland Reads: Magical Realism at Its Best
Next, venture into the enchanting realm of magical realism with stories that transport you to winter wonderlands. Picture a snowy landscape, where mythical creatures come alive, or an isolated village where festive traditions are woven into everyday life.
For example, ‘The Snow Child’ by Eowyn Ivey or ‘The Bear and the Nightingale’ by Katherine Arden will sweep you off your feet with their magical worlds. These titles beautifully blend the essence of winter with fantasy elements that are sure to leave you mesmerized.
You can also find similar stories in collections like ‘Twas the Year One’ by Stephen Shaskan, which offers 12 enchanting tales for a Christmas celebration across centuries and cultures.
Modern Whimsy: Bringing Contemporary Flair to Your List
Not everyone may enjoy classic literature or traditional fantasy elements. That’s okay! For those who prefer modern whimsy in their holiday reads, there are plenty of options available.
Consider authors like Matt Haig (‘The Truth Pixie’) or Emma Thompson (the screenwriter behind ‘Love Actually’), both of whom have penned witty and humorous tales that bring a fresh twist to the season’s classic themes. Alternatively, you might appreciate the quirky adventures of characters in books such as ‘The Snowman’ by Raymond Briggs.
Even children’s stories can be an excellent choice! Think delightful characters from authors like J.R.R. Tolkien (‘The Father Christmas Letters’) or even Roald Dahl (the ‘BFG‘), which offer both magic and fun for the whole family!
Finding Hidden Gems: Discovering New Authors and Stories
The holiday season is also a great opportunity to discover new authors, genres, or stories you wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. For instance:
You might find yourself enchanted by novels like ‘The Christmas Bookshop’ by Katie O’Nions or ‘Last Christmas in Paris’ by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Barbieri.
Or maybe you’ll stumble upon ‘A Christmas Memory,’ a poignant essay collection that explores the beauty of memories during winter. If so, consider adding this book to your reading list for its heartwarming storytelling!
Reading with Purpose: Setting Goals and Challenges
Once your list is complete, the real fun begins! Consider setting challenges or goals, like:
A ‘Christmas Book Challenge’ where you aim to read a certain number of books within a specific time frame.
a ‘Holiday Reading Tradition,’ passed down through generations of readers in your family or close friends!
Conclusion: The Joy of Creating Your Christmas Book Reading List
A perfectly curated Christmas book reading list is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season while exploring new favorite stories and authors. Whether you stick with timeless classics, magical realisms, modern whimsy, or hidden gems, your personal collection will be sure to provide endless joy and entertainment.